Bridgeview, Illinois —Due to an unexpected power outage affecting the Fifth Municipal District Courthouse, the Circuit Court of Cook County has suspended court operations at the facility for today.
Court officials have been in communication with Facilities Management; however, there is currently no estimated time for the restoration of power. As a result, all scheduled court calls and proceedings at the Fifth Municipal District will not proceed today.
CHICAGO – Chief Judge Charles S. Beach II today announced that Judge Diann Marsalek will transition from her role as Supervising Judge of the Traffic Section to serve as Supervising Judge of the Housing and Eviction Section, effective Aug. 3, 2026.
CHICAGO – The Circuit Court of Cook County's Child Protection Courts held its first annual Family Reunification Ceremony & Celebration on Saturday. The free, community-wide event brought together reunified families, legal advocates, community organizations, and court partners to honor the resilience of families who have successfully navigated the child welfare system and returned home together.
CHICAGO – The Circuit Court of Cook County's Restorative Justice Community Court (RJCC) in Englewood held a graduation ceremony, honoring several young adults who successfully completed the court's restorative justice process. The ceremony marked the culmination of months of hard work, community engagement, and personal accountability by participants who chose a path focused on healing over incarceration.
CHICAGO – Due to weather-related power outages affecting court operations in the Fifth and Sixth Municipal Districts and Branch Courts 35 and 38 at 727 E. 111th St., the Circuit Court of Cook County has issued General Administrative Orders establishing temporary procedures for matters scheduled to be heard today, June 12, 2026.
The administrative orders are in effect to protect public safety and ensure essential court operations continue.
CHICAGO – Due to a weather-related loss of electrical power affecting the building located at 727 E. 111th Street, Chicago, Illinois, the Circuit Court of Cook County has ordered the continuance of all matters scheduled to be heard on June 11, 2026, at that location.
MARKHAM, IL – June 11, 2026 – Due to a weather-related loss of electrical power affecting the entire Sixth Municipal District Courthouse in Markham, Illinois, the Circuit Court of Cook County has temporarily modified court operations to ensure public safety and the continued administration of justice.
CHICAGO — Clinton York came to Veterans Treatment Court with a simple goal.
“I came to Veterans Court with one simple goal: please let this be the last chapter in my legal story,” York wrote. “What I got instead was personal growth, accountability, humility… and way more self-reflection than I ordered.”
York, an Army veteran who had completed a sentence with the Illinois Department of Corrections and finished his parole, found himself back in the Cook County court system. He was angry, uncertain, and, by his own account, simply looking for a way out.
CHICAGO — The Office of the Chief Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County today released comprehensive data on its Electronic Monitoring (EM) program, including current non-compliance figures and warrant status. The release reflects Chief Judge Charles S. Beach II’s commitment to transparency and public accountability in the administration of the EM program.
Chief Judge Charles Beach of the Circuit Court of Cook County reminds the public, members of the legal community, and members of the media that virtual court appearance options remain available to case participants across Cook County under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 45.
As part of the ongoing transformation of the juvenile justice system in Cook County, Chief Judge Charles S. Beach II today announced a leadership transition within the Juvenile Probation Department.
“The work of building a model juvenile justice system requires thoughtful leadership, accountability, and a commitment to continuous improvement,” said Chief Judge Beach. “These changes are part of our responsibility to ensure that our system operates with integrity and in full alignment with statewide standards, while continuing to serve the youth and families of Cook County.”
Following a comprehensive nationwide search, Chief Judge Charles S. Beach II announced the selection of Sara Hemmeter as the court’s first Director of Juvenile Services — a newly established leadership role designed to transform and strengthen the county’s juvenile justice system.
WGN TV's Patrick Elwood covered Tuesday's Supporting Education and Employment Development (SEED) Program graduation, which included 10 participants. See his story here: https://wgntv.com/news/cook-county/cook-countys-restorative-justice-empowers-young-adults-to-turn-their-lives-around/
After Jonathan Porter was released on bond for a drug possession charge back in 2021, he realized it was time to change his life’s direction. He was the father of a baby girl, and he needed to be a better man.
“It didn’t resonate to me that I had a little one at home until I got released from jail,” said Porter, of Chicago’s South Side. “I thought, ‘Dang, she’s home… I can’t make those same mistakes.” The arrest wasn’t Porter’s first, but he was determined to make it his last.
Circuit Court of Cook County Chief Judge Charles S. Beach II and the court’s Nominating Committee today announced the names of 14 candidates who will appear on the ballot for election by circuit judges to fill seven associate judge vacancies.
Daily Herald coverage of fraudulent text message scams, posted by Charles Keeshan: https://www.dailyherald.com/20260325/crime/do-not-click-state-suburban-…
The Office of the Chief Judge is warning the public about a fraudulent “Illinois Circuit Court – Hearing Notice” that is circulating and falsely claims to require payment for unpaid parking charges.
This document is not legitimate and was not issued by the Circuit Court of Cook County.
The Circuit Court of Cook County today announced the appointment of Luis M. Gutierrez as court security services administrator. Gutierrez succeeds Jeffrey Pfotenhauer, who is retiring following distinguished service to the Court.
A search committee appointed by Chief Judge Charles S. Beach II has begun the process of identifying candidates for a new Director of Juvenile Services for the Circuit Court of Cook County.
CBS 2 Chicago's Sabrina Franza had the exclusive interview with Chief Judge Beach regarding the upcoming improvements to the Electronic Monitoring system. See her report here: https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/cook-county-chief-judge-charles-beach-changes-electronic-monitoring/
Judges from the Traffic Division of the Circuit Court of Cook County will participate in a Driver’s License Reinstatement Expo on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, providing individuals with Cook County traffic cases an opportunity to address matters that may be preventing them from regaining driving privileges.
CBS 2's Sabrina Franza covered improvements made to the EM process. Here is her story: https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/cook-county-chief-judge-changes-electronic-monitoring-program/
Chicago Sun Times coverage of the Electronic Monitoring operational updates, posted by Violet Miller: https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/2026/01/28/cook-county-electronic-monitoring-beach
WTTW's Matt Masterson's coverage of the Electronic Monitoring operational updates: https://news.wttw.com/2026/01/28/cook-county-s-chief-judge-announces-new-revisions-electronic-monitoring-program
A search committee appointed by Chief Judge Charles S. Beach II has begun the process of identifying candidates for a new Director of Juvenile Services for the Cook County Circuit Court.
The Office of the Chief Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County has implemented updated operational protocols governing Electronic Monitoring (EM) to ensure timely identification of violations, prompt judicial review and clear accountability across all involved agencies.
The Bridgeview Drug, Mental Health and Veterans Treatment Courts celebrated the commencement of five participants Monday.
Three Drug Court participants, one Veterans Treatment Court participant and one Mental Health Court participant were honored by court employees with certificates, gifts and applause during a ceremony led by the Hon. Kathaleen T. Lanahan, who is the judge for the Fifth Municipal District Problem-Solving Courts.
Due to the extremely cold temperatures predicted for Friday, January 23, which may adversely impact the health and safety of court personnel and litigants, the Circuit Court of Cook County will be closed. The Skokie, Maywood and Markham courthouses will be open as warming centers.
The Pretrial Division will operate first appearance court, including newly charged domestic violence cases, on the holiday and weekend schedule. Juveniles who are in custody and scheduled for initial appearances or detention hearings will appear remotely.
The Office of the Chief Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County is refunding overpayments of fees for court-ordered probation, supervision and community services.
As part of the new administration’s ongoing operational review of its non-judicial departments, a technical issue was identified in the Probation Department’s case management system that had prevented certain refunds for overpayments from being generated. The issue, which affected a limited number of cases, has been fully corrected and refund checks have been issued.
WTTW Chicago's Matt Masterson's coverage of Chief Judge Beach's first month leading the judiciary:
